ANNUAL FUND Q & A
Q: WHAT IS THE ST. JOSEPH SCHOOL ANNUAL FUND CAMPAIGN?
A : The Annual Fund campaign is kicked off in the fall of each school year. Both financial gifts and gifts of prayer are requested for St. Joseph Catholic School from current parents, faculty/staff, grandparents, alumni, friends, and local businesses. The purpose of the Annual Fund is to bridge the gap between the actual cost of educating our students and the income we receive from tuition. Tuition provides only 62% of the total cost of educating you child. Without the Annual Fund we would not be able to keep the annual increase in tuition to a minimum.
Q WHAT HAPPENS TO THE MONEY RAISED THROUGH THE ANNUAL FUND?
A . Again, Tuition fees cover only 62% of our total budget. We need this money to enhance our technology program. We have installed 25 new computers in the computer lab thanks to the donations from last year’s annual fund. The hardware is only one component in technology and in order to keep our children competitive in today’s world we must have a computer lab that is current.
This year, we are excited to announce that if we reach or exceed our goal of $40,000, then money raised will go directly back to teachers for an end of the year bonus. Our hard working, dedicated teachers make only 80% of what those in Fayetteville public schools make.
Q: WHAT IS OUR GOAL?
A : Our financial goal this year is $40,000. Our participation goal is 100% from our parents and our faculty/staff. Last year we received 42% participation from our parents and 80% participation from our faculty/staff! This year we hope to blow that figure out of the water!!
Q: WHAT IS THE ABOVE AND BEYOND EVENT AT THE PENDERGRAFT BARN?
A: It is an event to express our appreciation and honor our most loyal donors who were able to donate $500.00 or more. It will take place on 2/28 at 6:30 pm.
Neal and Gina Pendergraft have had both of their girls, Rachael and Sarah Ann, attend St. Joseph and be a part of our family. Rachael is now attending Fayetteville High and continues to excel as an honor student. Sara Ann is in 7 th grade and serves as a student ambassador and in her free time competes in Quarter horse shows. She has shown her horse all over the country and won awards in Ohio, Kansas, and Arkansas to name a few states. She is also an officer in the Benton County 4-H Horse Club.
Q. HOW CAN I GET A NAMEPLATE ON A COMPUTER?
A. Anyone who is able to donate $1,000 or more will have a nameplate on a computer in the computer room with either a student name (John Smith) a family name (The Smiths) or in memory of (Loving memory of Grandmother Edna Smith).
If you take part in this you will also be invited to the ABOVE AND BEYOND EVENT at the Pendergraft Barn on 2/28/08 6:30 p.m.
Q: HOW MUCH SHOULD I CONTRIBUTE?
A: We are truly grateful for each and every gift made to the Annual Fund. Please keep in mind that no gift is too big or too small; it is your demonstration of support that really makes a difference!
A high percentage of participation favorably influences outside sources of support (e.g. charitable foundations) when the school applies for grants.
Q: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE ANNUAL FUND AND THE PTO FUNDRAISERS?
A : The funds raised through the Annual Fund and the PTO Fundraisers help us keep our tuition level at a minimum. The Annual Fund helps the school fund large projects, such as the purchase of new computers in the lab. The PTO fundraisers help to pay for such items as classroom supplies, for faculty/staff courses, library books, music, art, and curriculum enhancement. The PTO also contributes $30,000 each year from its income to help the school pay for the debt service. Without the Annual Fund and the PTO Fundraisers, two very important sources of income, we would be forced to significantly increase our level of tuition. So as you can see, both of these efforts are of the utmost importance to the success of St. Joseph Catholic School.
Q: WHAT ARE MATCHING GIFTS?
A: Matching gift programs are offered through many corporations. Companies assist nonprofit organizations by matching an employee’s gift (often dollar for dollar). Please check with your Human Resources Department to see if your company has a Matching Gifts Program.
Q: HOW CAN I GIVE?
A: If you would like to make a gift to our Annual Fund you can call the school with credit card information, donate stock, mail a check or feel free to download the pledge card and mail it with your check to St. Joseph Catholic School, 1722 N. Starr Drive, Fayetteville, AR 72764
Please give as generously as possible and know that each and every gift is truly appreciated, is 100% tax deductible, and will be acknowledged in the SJS Annual Report, unless anonymity is desired.
More Questions?
Contact Kerry Hornibrook at (479) 442-4554 ext.354
THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY!!!